The Benefits of Cinnamon
Research studies have shown that cinnamon regulates blood sugar. This is great for diabetics and really anyone who wants to stabilize their blood sugar levels. Here’s a little trick (you probably already know this) slice up an apple and sprinkle some cinnamon on it. It will enhance the flavor of the apple. Research has shown that cinnamon decreases the rate at which food exits your body, thus you feel full for a longer time frame (gastric emptying). This also helps prevent blood sugar levels from rising after meals. Cinnamon may help people with type II diabetes by improving their ability to respond to insulin. The US Agricultural Research Service conducted a study with 60 participants who had type II diabetes and who were not taking insulin. Participants were divided into groups. For forty days, participants consumed different amounts of cinnamon per day. Three groups were given 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon and three other groups were given a placebo. The results from the research study showed that there was a 20% reduction in blood sugar levels and triglyceride levels were also reduced.
Cinnamon also reduces LDL cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is needed by the body for synthesizing hormones, producing vitamin D (when you’re not getting vitamin D from the sun, the cholesterol in your body is actually converted to vitamin D) and much more.
Cinnamon also has anti-bacterial properties. Regular use of cinnamon has been shown to increase immune function and to be effective against bacteria like Candida albicans and Helicobacter pylori.
Anti-inflammatory properties found in cinnamon help relieve symptoms of arthritis. A research study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day actually reduces risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease by 10-30%.3
According to World’s Healthiest Foods, in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon there is 45.5% manganese, 11% fiber, and 5.2% calcium. Manganese is important for a healthy bone structure. It acts as a coenzyme to facilitate metabolic activity, absorption of calcium, formation in connective tissue, and metabolism of carbohydrates.
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde. This compound has been researched for its effects on blood platelets. Over clumping of platelets can decrease blood flow. Cinnamaldehyde helps prevent over clumping of blood platelets by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid which is an inflammatory compound.
Even cinnamon’s scent helps brain function. Cinnamon enhances cognitive processing. So, next time you’re in doubt, smell some cinnamon.
Cinnamon helps to improve colon health and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Cinnamon like ginger has a warming effect. It makes you sweat out toxins.
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/41026.php
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-manganese.html